The current-income generalist fund provides long-term financing to underserved SMEs across frontier markets in Sub-Sahara Africa with a focus on healthcare, agribusiness, logistics, transport, pharmaceuticals, and ICT (information & communication technology) sectors.

The fund addresses a funding gap for SMEs and provides business advisory and technical assistance thereby contributing to economic growth and resilience, the creation of decent jobs, inclusion of women and capital market development. As a first-close investor, SIFEM helps to mobilize capital in an underserved region for several priority countries and LDCs (least developed countries).

Jörg Frieden, Chairman of the Board of SIFEM: “This strategic commitment is in line with many aspects of our mandate such as investing in LDCs and strengthening existing partners.”

Ralph Keitel, CIO of SIFEM: “As SIFEM’s portfolio manager, responsAbility is proud to contribute to the first close of a fund which faced a lot of headwinds in a challenging fundraising environment.”